Jun 23 You Might Be a Homesteader IF.... Here's How to Find Out if You Have the Heart and Mind of One!

In the past several years, I have realized something. There are certain people who are just homesteaders. Doesn't matter where they live. They might live in the city. They might live in the suburbs. They may be fortunate enough to have a spread in the country! But people with the homesteading heart and spirit all have some special commonalities. They have a need to learn, to do their own thing, to be free of the constraints of the world as much as possible. After meeting a few like-minded people online through my blogging, reading lots of homestead articles and books, and experimenting a LOT over the years, I have come up with a list of ways you know if you are a homesteader! Find out now if you are one...or not?

Are YOU a homesteader? Doesn't matter where you live! A homesteader is a person with a special mind and heart. See if you have what it takes and if YOU think like a homesteader!

You Might be a Homesteader IF.....

1. You like to do your own thing. You don't like to be told what you can and can't do. You have an independent spirit!

2. You are sick and tired of the food industry, big government's rules, the sleazy relationship between pharmaceutical companies and the medical/insurance industry, and you just don't want to be lied to anymore. You have become a super sleuth in search of the truth so you can feel good about not inadvertently feeding your children dangerous chemicals and medicines, among other things.

3. You KNOW the government is not going to bail you out. And that's fine.

4. You want to know you can take care of yourself and your family if push comes to shove. Your goal is to be self-reliant (as much as possible) one day.

5. You're not afraid to try new things. You are able to take some risks.

6. You have the mind of a scientist....You know you are going to fail at things, and that's ok--because then you have learned what doesn't work!

7. Knowledge and experience are things you couldn't do without.

8. You KNOW there is a difference between being educated and being informed. Being informed is way more important.

9. You want to return to your roots. Heck! Your grandparents lived off the land and had a great and happy life! You want that too. You want a simplified, less materialistic life.

10. This goes into the homeschooling realm: You have a feeling that what kids are hearing in the school system is probably going to mess them up, based on your own value system. So you either want to or DO opt out. (I'm a teacher, I can totally empathize with you.)

11. You find a tremendous feeling of gratitude and empowerment in being able to watch your little plants emerge from the soil you have prepared and know that what you will have to harvest is good.

12. You love your animals, and you know that you will have to eventually harvest them for meat. That's ok, even though it may be a difficult thing to do. You know you are living close to your own food source, and that your animals have a wonderful life. They don't suffer. They don't take drugs or hormones. They are healthy and happy and loved. And the purpose they serve is needed.

13. You don't automatically "poo-poo" another person's knowledge and experience. You have an open mind.

14. You know that there are many ways to skin a cat, so to speak. There are a lot of ways to get something accomplished, and you are willing to learn from those who have come before.

15. You love spending time outside, with animals, with plants, and learning as much as you can about them too.

You are NOT a Homesteader If....

2. You don't have any interest in learning new things, especially ways to help yourself and your family in one of those "just in case" situations.

3. If you would rather play video games or watch the Kardashians than experiment with making something useful for you or your family....you are not a homesteader

4. You have total faith in the "powers that be," including the medical industry, the government, the food industry, and you think everything you buy from the store is great for you---or it at least "must be ok" because, gee, the government wouldn't allow bad things to be sold...Right?

5. If you know about documentaries that will inform you so you can make good choices for you and your family, and you choose NOT to watch....because you KNOW you might have to change your thinking and possibly your behaviors....you are NOT a homesteader.

6. If you are afraid to get a little dirty and do a little hard work....you are not a homesteader.

In my experience and opinion, people who consider themselves homesteaders, whether urban, suburban, or rural, are BRAVE. They challenge the status quo. They ACTIVELY seek a better life for themselves and their families. They are not afraid to at least TRY. They keep learning! They keep DOING. They know that if they take small steps, they will eventually get there!

That's a homesteader.

Hugs and Self-Reliance!!!!

Heidi

P.S. I hope you'll sign up for the HHH Newsletter and never miss a thing! Guess what!? When you do, I'll send you two of my eBooks FREE. It's How to Relax Using Herbs and has lots of great ideas I know you'll enjoy! The other is "12 Best Essential Oil Blends"

P.S.S. Leave me a comment! What do you think about this topic? Where on the spectrum are you?

I love making plant medicine---it's my favorite way to keep well and get well if I start getting a little something. Please see the sidebar for discounts at the New England Academy of Herbal Medicine! And if you'd like to know where I purchase my herbs for medicinal purposes and my bulk spices for cooking, please check out Starwest Botanicals! You'll love this shop! For a great beginning book on herbal medicine, this one is my all time favorite by Rosemary Gladstar!

Here are some resources for general homesteading that I have used, still use, and love dearly!

Hi. I'm Heidi. I am a mid-life homesteader/teacher-turned-blogger! We live off-grid on less than an acre with lots of animals... READ MORE....

Have you ever wanted to make your own natural soap...the way YOU want it? Or, to experiment with the hot process method? Here is everything you need to know...You won't have any questions about hot process soap making and customizing your soaps once you read my eBook!

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